Are you sinking your teeth into shimmery dental grills?

Teenagers and young adults are always wanting to stay on top of the fashion game. Facial and oral jewellery is just part of getting their bling on.

A popular trend amongst young people who want to make a statement is ornamental caps or also known as removable mouth pieces known as grills, made popular by some celebrities. Made from stainless steel or high-quality precious metals such as sterling silver, pure gold and jewels, grills simply snap on over upper or lower teeth. The wearer of a grill can stand in front of their bathroom mirror and put the grill on within 5 minutes.

As with any wearable piece of jewellery such as earrings or bracelets, care must be taken when wearing grills because problem can occur in the long-term. Food particles can get trapped between the teeth and grill, allowing plaque build-up and bacteria. Onset of bad breath, tooth decay and even gum disease can happen due to the bacteria in the teeth. If the grills aren’t designed properly and are ill-fitting, they can cause redness and inflammation in the gums. Often grills are also made from metals that can cause irritation to the teeth and gums. If the grill is worn excessively teeth discolouration can also occur.

Grill wearers should be extra attentive to their oral hygiene. The grill should be removed before eating and cleaned daily. Thorough brushing, flossing and mouth rinsing should be done to successfully remove food debris and keep mouth healthy. Plus, grill usage should be limited to special occasions.